William Mildner

William R. Mildner of Driggs, Idaho passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, April 12 with his loving family by his side. He was a United States Army Veteran. Bill was born on July 4th, 1939 to John and Rena Mildner and was the youngest of four children. He moved to Jackson over 40 years ago and knew this was where he would call home and never looked back. "Uncle Bill", as he was known was a very talented construction contractor with many loyal clients throughout the Teton valley. He was an avid hunting and fishing enthusiast until an injury many years ago limited some of his physical capabilities, but he never lost his love of fishing and the ability to get to Jackson and Yellowstone Lakes. Uncle Bill was a steadfast and loyal friend to many and would give you the shirt off his back. He loved his family and although he never had children of his own, many people thought of him as a father or a mentor. In the years after his injury he continued to see the beauty around us, never taking for granted his love of the mountains, rivers, lakes, oceans and all things wild. He was never one to complain, and was the kind of man who saw the good in each day with every sunrise. He was never in a hurry and always remained engaged in others' lives. He loved all his dogs and they were his family, by his side with every step he took. He was an influential Uncle to his great nephews Sean (Erin), Josh (Ashley) and Blaine Gallivan (Francesca), passing on his passion of the outdoors and his love of the Tetons. He will be missed by many who checked in on him daily to have a quick chat. He was a great listener to so many dear friends and family. Bill is predeceased by his brother Jack Mildner (Joyce) and sister Audrey Gallivan (Richard). He leaves behind his nephew Michael Gallivan (Robin), as well as his sister Norma DeAngelis (Donald) of New Hampshire and nieces Susan Hayward (Kent), Julie Parker (Steve), Joy Jenkins (Leon), Sandy DeAngelis (Spud) Donna DeAngelis and Mary DeAngelis (Bill) as well as nephews William DeAngelis (Phyllis) and John Mildner (Ann). He also leaves behind many great nieces and nephews who loved him and looked up to him. The family would like to thank the amazing Hospice team that cared for Uncle Bill in his last weeks - Sue Beard and Paul Marcum of Hands of Hope Hospice as well as Rena Lagana, Carol Taylor and the many wonderful and dedicated volunteers and friends who made his last days very comfortable.

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